Xabi Alonso delivers important update on Kylian Mbappe prior to Real Madrid FIFA Club World Cup 2025 debut
Real Madrid are among the most highly anticipated teams at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, drawing fans from around the world eager to see their star-studded lineup take the pitch. With the team set to make its tournament debut on Wednesday against Al Hilal, head coach Xabi Alonso provided a key update on Kylian Mbappe’s status.
Mbappe’s availability for the opener has been in doubt after he missed Tuesday’s training session due to a fever. The French superstar is one of the most anticipated players in the tournament, and the latest news could be a major blow for fans hoping to see him in action right from the start.
When asked about Mbappe’s condition during Tuesday’s press conference, Alonso shared the latest: “Kylian was feeling a bit better this morning, but not enough. It’s very hot, so it was better for him not to train. But we’ll wait for him until the last moment. We’ll make a decision tomorrow morning.”
The Spanish coach also addressed the status of other injured players, including Antonio Rudiger and Eduardo Camavinga. “As for the others… they’re eager, but they’re at different stages. Rudiger made a huge effort this season, and I don’t know if he’ll be in the squad tomorrow, but he’s progressing well and will be the first one to return. The rest will need a bit more time. Camavinga is also improving quickly, but still needs time,” the coach addded.
Mbappe enters the Club World Cup fresh off winning the Pichichi as La Liga’s top scorer, as well as securing the Golden Boot for the first time in his career, showcasing a flawless scoring run. His absence would not only disappoint fans at Hard Rock Stadium but could also impact Real Madrid’s attacking threat on the field.
Alonso sets expectations for Al Hilal clash
Following the conclusion of the 2024-25 La Liga season in late May, Real Madrid moved quickly to appoint Xabi Alonso as head coach after Carlo Ancelotti’s departure. The Spaniard, who arrives after a successful stint with Bayer Leverkusen, now faces the Club World Cup as his first major test in charge of Los Blancos.
His first opponent will be one of Saudi Arabia’s strongest teams, Al Hilal, which recently appointed Simone Inzaghi, formerly of Inter Milan, as its new head coach. Speaking ahead of his debut, Alonso shared his thoughts on the challenge awaiting his squad:
“Simone Inzaghi hasn’t had much time to work, but he has a team with tremendous quality: Mitrovic, Milinkovic-Savic, Malcom… it’s a very strong club, one that was competing for the Asian Champions League. And they have a coach who’s been in a Champions League final. We’ll see what happens tomorrow. But it will be quite an intense challenge.”